Can someone share a list of common tone words?

[Aatish]

I'm working on analyzing texts and need a list of tone words to describe the author's attitude. Could someone provide a variety of tone words with a few examples?

 

[DeeReich70]

Sure! Here’s a list of common tone words, grouped by general feeling or attitude:


Positive tones:

• Optimistic
• Joyful
• Encouraging
• Compassionate
• Enthusiastic
• Proud
• Hopeful

Negative tones:

• Angry
• Bitter
• Cynical
• Disappointed
• Gloomy
• Hostile
• Pessimistic

Neutral or objective tones:

• Serious
• Formal
• Informative
• Detached
• Objective
• Cautious

Humorous or playful tones:

• Amused
• Ironic
• Sarcastic
• Witty
• Lighthearted

Reflective or emotional tones:

• Thoughtful
• Nostalgic
• Sincere
• Melancholy
• Contemplative

 

[peterkavinsky]

Common tone words include joyful, serious, sarcastic, optimistic, pessimistic, humorous, formal, informal, respectful, angry, and sympathetic. They help describe the writer’s or speaker’s attitude toward the subject.

 

[Robert Willian]

The tone words that are often used can be divided into three groups: positive, negative, and neutral/formal/informal. To give examples, on the positive side, there are cheerful, optimistic, and happy; on the negative side, there are pessimistic, angry, and bitter; and neutral/formal/informal words include formal, informal, objective, and casual.

 

[robbin]

Common tone words describe the author’s attitude or emotion in writing. Examples include optimistic, humorous, formal, sarcastic, sympathetic, joyful, melancholic, angry, reflective, hopeful, skeptical, and passionate. Recognizing tone words helps readers understand mood and intent in literature, speeches, and essays, enhancing interpretation and emotional connection to the writer’s message or theme.

 

[Gsusangrey]

Common tone words express how an author feels about their subject.

Among the examples are:

Positive: Upbeat, hopeful, affectionate, and admiring.
Negative: sarcastic, condescending, cynical, angry, and bitter.
Neutral/Serious: formal, impartial, solemn, sentimental, and reflective.